AL NRCS Current Developments 2-14 Text Only

February 2014

State Office News

I hope your New Year is off to a good start! There are many exciting activities and opportunities as we enter calendar year 2014; new Farm Bill, budget, hiring new staff, soil health, and the StrikeForce Initiative, to name a few. Hopefully we will be rolling out information on the Farm Bill soon. I know you and your customers are anxious to get started with the new streamlined programs. We do have a budget and will begin to fill some vacancies soon. I am asking Assistant State Conservationist (FOs) to have meetings on cover crops to get ideas from the field staff on how more farmers can realize the benefits of growing cover.

We had a Black History Event at the State Office on February 26, 2014. The featured speaker, Mr. Bobby Hayden was an inspiring individual. What a path he has traveled. It reminded me of the many paths we all travel each day and how we strive to be better human beings with joy and passion for our life, family, jobs, etc. The theme of our celebration was “Civil Rights in America: Remember! Celebrate! Act!” I hope we all remember the sacrifices, celebrate the victories, and act like we want to be treated. As Mr. Hayden stated, “We are all Americans and it does not matter the color of our skin.”

I was in California the first of February 2014 at the National Association of Conservation Districts’ meeting where Chief Weller outlined his priorities for the next three fiscal years. The priorities are: (1) Implement the new Farm Bill, (2) Get a clean opinion on the audit, (3) Implement the Conservation Delivery Streamline Initiative, (4) Implement the Foundational Maintenance and Improvements, (5) Improve the State Resource Allocation process, and (6) Implement Administrative Transformation. The Chief stated that these six items would be the “foundation for the future” for NRCS. We will provide more information on these topics as it becomes available.

Congratulations to the Madison County Earth Team for receiving the 2014 National NACD/NRCS Earth Team Award. Volunteers are important to our mission and I appreciate everyone’s efforts in recruiting and supporting local volunteers in your office. Regardless of our challenges in 2014, we will continue to do what we do best, serving our customers, improving our communities, and ensuring the viability and stability of our natural resources through good conservation practices and sound technical advice. What you do matters. Remember that voluntary, locally-led conservation is the formula to success.

Black History Month

A program, organized by Black Special Emphasis Program Manager Eddie Davis, was held at the NRCS State Office on February 26, 2014. Speaker, Mr. Bobby Haden, held the attention of the audience as he talked about his early days in the military. His self-respect and high respect for others helped secure him a position as one of seven black soldiers to integrate the White House Honor Guard. He displayed magazine and newspaper articles showing him in the White House, at President Kennedy’s funeral service and standing first duty guard at the President’s grave, and other events.

The meeting concluded with the Alabama Chapter of the National Organization of Professional
Black NRCS Employees sponsoring a lunch of fried chicken, ribs, and all of the fixin’s. It was a great presentation, a great meal, and great networking for all.

Alabama Earth Team Volunteers Award Winners

Alabama Shines Again! The Madison County SWCD/NRCS won the 2014 National NACD/NRCS Earth Team Award. The award will be formally presented at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Meeting in February 2014 in Anaheim, California.

“We have had a wonderful year in Madison County with a wide range of projects and programs for our Earth Team Volunteers (ETVs) to participate in,” said Kathy Walker, District Administrative Coordinator. “We also appreciate our great partners that always help make us SHINE!”

The Madison County NRCS/SWCD was presented the NACD/NRCS Earth Team Award because they excel in promoting conservation with educational programs through local schools and organizations. The staff intentionally works to develop new partnerships and recruit ETVs to assist in area projects to help educate the county population about natural resource conservation.

The Madison County NRCS/SWCD sponsors many projects. They say that ETVs are vital to supporting their mission. A few of these include programs for high school and elementary students informing them about sources of pollution, “Read across America” celebrating reading with Dr. Seuss, River Works Discovery Program, Outdoor Classrooms, the Envirothon, and Poster and Essay Contests. The public and ETVs participate in projects such as the Rain Barrel Workshop, Flint River Clean Ups, Soil Baby Contests, and an annual Teacher Workshop completing its 11th year. This year they hosted 28 teachers from K-12 with the free 40 hour workshop that includes CEU credits.

Rena Smith of Russellville received Alabama’s Individual Earth Team Award. Since she started in 2011, the field office staff says that she will do whatever is needed to help out. She files, answers the phone, assists with construction checks, and with educational programs such as the Envirothon and FAWN.

Renea said, “I knew I would like volunteering, but I didn’t know I would love it.” The staff said that her eagerness to learn and her love for the outdoors shines in all she does personally and professionally.
The Lee County Water Festival Group gleaned the Group Award because of their efforts to educate local children about water problems as well as solutions. The Lee County Water Festival has been held for 11 years to educate 4th graders and their families about surface and ground water and other related natural resources such as wetlands, forestry and wildlife. The purpose is to instill in them a general environmental awareness and stewardship ethic.

Over 1,700, 4th grade students and their teachers participated in this year’s festival on the Auburn University Campus, March 14-15, 2013. More than 84 volunteers from 21 agencies and organizations helped organize, seek funding, and preformed the many background tasks that are needed to carry out the large scale event.

The Bay Minette Field Office won the Alabama Chief’s Field Award for building a strong team of ETVs from local technical centers, high schools, and organizations to enhance the conservation activities of the local NRCS/SWCD office.

One highlighted project was a sand dune restoration project in Gulf Shores. ETVs worked closely with other agency personnel, local vocational Ag students, and a Boy Scout troop from Kentucky to help plant sea oats on the dunes. The older students did most of the physical labor on the project, while the younger scout troop volunteers participated on a scale they could handle. An experienced leader guided the groups and kept them on track. The staff said that these projects would not be possible without the support of ETVs.

The plants established during the project help the sand dunes resist wind erosion and helps protect the shoreline, homes, and the unique wildlife habitat.

In Alabama, 3,038 volunteers provided 18,543 hours of volunteer service ranking us number one in the Southeast and in the Nation in total number of volunteers. In number of reported volunteer hours, Alabama was again first in the Southeast and ranked fifth in the nation. Dr. William Puckett, State Conservationist for the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) said, “I am proud of our Earth Team Volunteers. They are an integral part of the Alabama conservation partnership. Each member takes pride in the fact that they maintain and improve our natural resources and environment on private lands and help educate our youth.”

From the Field

Cullman County FAWN

Cullman’s Sportsman’s Lake Park was filled with over 700 Cullman County Schools’ sixth graders participating in the fall Forest Awareness Week Now (FAWN) event. FAWN is an educational program which involves a field trip and an interaction with forestry and natural resource professionals.

Resource professionals staffed stations that included: forest products, soils, forest management, and wildlife. The learning stations provide a positive, hands-on, interactive learning experience for the students and they leave with a better understanding of the importance of Alabama’s forest and related natural resources.

Helping with the two day event were staff from the Cullman County SWCD/NRCS, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Louisiana Pacific, and additional local volunteers.

2013 Dale County Groundwater Festival

By Janet Benton, District Technician, Ozark, AL

About 525 fourth graders attended the 2013 Groundwater Festival hosted by the Dale County SWCD at Wallace College in Midland City in October 2013.

The students participated in three hands-on educational activities related to groundwater: the Edible Aquifer, Water Filtration, and Water Cycle Bracelet.

This was a great experience for all the students as they learned the importance of keeping water clean and some specific ways to prevent groundwater contamination. Judging by the smiles and enthusiasm of all, this year’s event was another success.

Many organizations helped with the event. It was sponsored by grants from Wiregrass Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D), the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, and Choctawhatchee, Pea, Yellow River Management Authority. Local business also provided contributions for t-shirts and for bus transportation. Wallace College provided their Science building. About 50 volunteers helped to make the event a success.

Montgomery 2013 Farm City Festival at Bartlett Farm

By: Codie Yelverton, Soil Conservationist, Elmore/Montgomery Counties

The Montgomery County Farm City Festival was very successful. This was my first year helping out and it was wonderful. There were families everywhere, and kids were able to see bits of how important agriculture is and how it works.

Over 800 people attended this year. I was told that is gets bigger every year, and I believe it.

There was no charge to participate in the festival, but everyone was asked to bring a can of food. Over 215 pounds of food was collected for the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

New to the festival this year were representatives from the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA). They cooked pizza and helped out wherever they were needed.

This event could not have been done without all of the agencies hard work. These included NRCS, ACES, FSA, Alfa Agents, AL Ag Credit, Montgomery County SWCD, Montgomery Clean City, AL Farmers Federation, and Montgomery Water Works Sewer Board). It was truly a team effort.

Sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs unit, the Green Living Expo was an excellent outlet for information about NRCS programs.

Landowners from all over the county attended to hear various speakers and visit the many exhibits focusing on the theme of the expo-- Green Living, Green Families, and Green Communities.

“Auntie Litter,”an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a healthy and clean environment, provided interactive activities to show the importance of natural resource conservation and keeping the environment free of litter. Through excellent outreach opportunities like the Green Living Expo, NRCS can continue efforts to educate the people of Madison County and surrounding areas about our programs and natural resource conservation.

CFC Auction

The Auburn State Office held a silent auction for the Combined Federal Campaign. Bidding wars at the last few minutes added to the excitement. The most popular items were trees rooted in pots—some over $30.

Nancy Reagan thanks everyone who brought in items for the auction and for all of the auction bidders. After a generous donation from an employee, the final total collected was $512.50. Alabama met their goal and their stretch goal this year. Alabama NRCS raised

Troy University Archeology Students Assist NRCS

By Teresa Paglione, Cultural Resources Specialist, NRCS, Auburn, AL

Since fall of 2011, the Troy University Archaeological Research Center has conducted archaeological surveys for NRCS’s Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easements across the state. The principal investigator, Jason Mann, the director of the Research Center, directed the archaeology students in an apprentice-style fashion to perform the survey work, to achieve work experience and focus on future professional goals.

In addition to completing the archaeological survey work and fulfilling the reporting requirements, NRCS WRP archaeological surveys provided students interested in archaeology as a profession with active experience in a real-world archaeological practice which bolsters their overall educational experience and future employment marketability.

April Griffin, District Administrative Coordinator for the Mobile County SWCD—achieved one of her major goals. She graduated in December 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Troy University. April is not one to give up. She works full time at the Mobile Field Office; helped family through several ”life” events and is a full-time mom to a great teenager-Hannah. We are all so proud of April and wish her continued success on all her endeavors!

Colbert County Progressive Safety Day

October 22 and 23, 2013

Colbert County hosted the 3rd graders from the County, City and Private schools at the North Alabama State Fair Grounds October 22 and 23. Students were guided to 11 stations. Each Station has hands on exhibits, demonstrating safety. Exhibits were: Bike, Grain, Electric, Fire, Fire Arms, Boating Tractor, Lawnmower, ATV safety, as well as Drug awareness, and Dangerous Look Alike. Over 600 children were greeted with smiling faces from all those who worked! With the help of the local NRCS, SWCD, FSA, UDSA, ACES, RC&D, AMP and local business, this event were well.

Program News

AWEP Project implemented in Madison County

by Hannah South, Civil Engineering Student, Madison County, AL

With financial assistance through NRCS’s Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), an irrigation pond was constructed in Madison County on the property of row crop farmer Lee Sublett, in September 2013.

The pond, about 10 acres in size, will be used to irrigate nearly 400 acres of cropland during the dry summer months. During the winter, water will be pumped from a nearby stream into the pond for storage. Water from the pond will be pumped to center pivots located in the field during the growing season.

AWEP, a program under NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), gives financial assistance to help farmers implement water activities that will improve water quality on farms while conserving ground and surface water.

AWEP applications are competitively selected with higher priority given to applicants that are located in areas with a high percentage of agricultural land and producers. Priority is also given to producers who will show a significant increase in agricultural activity, along with several other factors.

Activities to ease the effect of drought are some of the enhancement activities that are implemented under the AWEP program.

Mr. Sublett’s pond will help him see a definite ease from the effects of drought. Land irrigated during dry months will produce a much higher yield than non-irrigated land. Also, the storage of water during winter months helps conserve water, another enhancement activity supported through AWEP.

The Madison County SWCD was recently awarded a Section 319 grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The 319 grant for Hurricane Creek, located on the eastern side of Madison County, will be used to implement conservation practices on private land that will benefit water quality and hopefully remove Hurricane Creek from the 303(d) list of impaired waters.

Hurricane Creek, a tributary to Flint River, was initially listed as impaired from pathogens (fecal coliform) according to past data. An ongoing partnership continues between ADEM, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Flint River Conservation Association, and many private landowners to create management plans, apply for funding, and to implement “on the ground” conservation practices.

The Hurricane Creek project initially kicked off in July 2013, with a public meeting within the watershed at the Hurricane Creek Community Center. The audience was presented information regarding history and water quality data for Hurricane Creek, 319 program eligibility and requirements for cost share assistance, and available conservation practices that could benefit local water quality for their private land. The meeting was catered by Ole Hickory Barbecue of New Market, AL.

Madison County SWCD, local partnership members, and local watershed stakeholders have successfully implemented past 319 grants since 2000 within Flint River Watershed and have had two success stories for stream segments being de-listed from the 303 (d) list since that time meaning water quality was improved.

For additional information contact Sam Sandlin, Flint River Watershed Coordinator with the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District at 256-532-1677 ext. 3.

“This project was fully or partially funded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management through a Clean Water Act Section 319 (h) nonpoint source grant provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 4.

Outreach from Alice Love

Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS) undergraduates attend “2013 Outreach & Ag Education Expo” in Atlanta, GA. This opportunity was made available through the partnership efforts of the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service – Outreach, Tuskegee University CAENS, National Organization of Professional Black Natural Resources Conservation Service

Tuskegee University Forestry and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting held during December 6-7, 2013. Membership consists of various conservation partners.

Kalauna Carter, Tuskegee University College of Agriculture student, presents at the Forestry and Natural Resources Council meeting regarding to her Soil Scientist Summer Internship with NRCS.

Demetris Johnson, Soil Conservationist in Troy, presents at Tuskegee University 2013 Professional Agricultural Workers Conference for the “Tomorrow’s Agricultural Youth Symposium.” He informed high school attendee’s about his career path from a TU Student/NRCS Scholars Program to a full-time NRCS employee. He encouraged the students to focus on college readiness early, of the importance of networking skills, and how to evaluate and implement personal educational goals.

USDA participants form “A Loosely Fitted Cooperative,” an organization that functions as a certified cooperative without the designation of a Cooperative Certification. “Loosely Fitted Cooperative” members pride themselves on adopting the wisdom of B.T. Washington; “Drop Your Bucket Where You Are!” Be self-significant.

Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) Patrice Kunesh (center in purple and black); joins local RD Representatives, Tuskegee University Cooperative Members, and Staff to welcome the delivery of a refrigerated truck purchased through RD. The truck will be used to transport and deliver locally grown produce from production to distribution sites.

Victor Khan, Tuskegee University Plant Breeder/Plasticulturist, lectures at an outreach meeting hosted by Alabama NRCS and the Wiregrass RC&D. As part of his lecture, he demonstrated how to calculate lime and fertilizer rates on small acreages associated with Seasonal High Tunnels and Micro-Irrigation Systems. These practices are offered through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Outreach meetings enhance local economy thru support of local business during activities held throughout the state.

Dr. William Puckett (l) talks with producers Jewell and Russell Bean who are participants in a hoop house experimental project between AL NRCS and Wiregrass RC&D. The purpose is to build 10 wooden hoop houses to explore their use compared to using kits. Wiregrass RC&D staff are helping build the houses and are tasked with writing instructions on how to construct them.

StrikeForce Initiative

The MOWA Tribe (a state recognized tribe) held it’s first StrikeForce Initiative meeting on July 13, 2013, in Mt.Vernon, AL. Topics included grazing systems, forestry and wildlife management vegetable production, organic farming using high tunnels, plasticulture and drip irrigation systems.

A breakout session about the Alabama StrikeForce Initiative was held at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) at Tuskegee University (TU) in December 2013. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Patrice Kunesh emphasized the importance of the StrikeForce Initiative in promoting American agriculture and creating economic value in the community.

A StrikeForce Initiative breakout session by USDA agencies was also held for farmers at the Annual Farmers Conference February 20, 2014, at TU. Often cited as the oldest event of its type in the nation, the conference was a two-day educational forum that featured tours, panel discussions, interactive demonstrations, and concurrent workshops.

Presentations at the breakout session were made by USDA’s FSA, NRCS, US Forest Service, Risk Management, and Food and Nutrition Service.

A StrikeForce meeting was held at the MOWA Choctaw Tribal offices in Mount Vernon, AL, on February 13, 2014, to inform them about USDA programs and to tour their forestland. The state recognized Tribe has an existing EQIP contract and has planted longleaf pine on some of their acres. Newer program interests expressed was small ruminants and silvopasture.

Representatives from NRCS, FSA, ACES and TU presented information and provided resource materials to be shared with the other Tribal members. (l-r) ASTC-FO (West) Charlie Ramsey, American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program Manager Wendy Smith, MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians Chief Weaver, and Robert Russell, Executive Director, AL Indian Affairs Commission.

NRCS Meetings

Conservationists Meet Elected Officials

SWCD/NRCS and RC&D staff and descended on Montgomery to meet with elected officials on agricultural issues facing rural communities. This year’s Legislative Reception, hosted by the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD), attracted more than 300 conservationists who work with farmers and ranchers to protect natural resources on private lands. The reception was held on February 19, 2014, at the RSA Activity Center.

The Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, as well as numerous state representatives and senators, attended. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private lands and many public lands in the United States.

National Forum for Cover Crops and Soil Health

Alabama NRCS staff and others participated in a National forum on February 18, 2014, at E.W. Shell Fisheries Research Center. Over 75 farmers, AU staff/professors, ACES staff, state and federal agency representatives, and others attended the event.

After Eric Schwab, from NRCS welcomed the group and Dr. William Puckett made opening remarks, a live video feed from the national conference was broadcast from Omaha, NE. The live feed included Howard G. Buffet and NRCS Chief
Jason Weller. Farmer videos displayed the success of cover crops and the impacts on soil health.

After the live feed, the local forum continued with presentations from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), NRCS, AU Experiment Station, and AU College of Agriculture and ACES.

RC&D News From Charlie Meek, NW AL RC&D Council

The “N Harmony With Nature Project” (NHWN) that the NW AL RC&D Council helped sponsor, was selected as the TOP project for the Southeast RC&D Region. It will now compete in the national competition. The NHWN program seeks to create a sustainable model that can be used to help local events become litter-free. The program also makes portable recycle bins, partitioned trailers, and litter grabbers available free of charge to local events.

The Northwest AL Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council sponsored two separate grants for the project over the past two years. The first grant helped fund the creation of a “how-to” handbook that was distributed to city and county officials throughout northwest Alabama to help them learn how to plan and host their own litter-free events. The second and most recent RC&D grant was used to create a promotional video to encourage the litter-free event concept. Steve Richerson of Concrete Dream Inc., an Alabama Green Business Consulting company, wrote and produced the video.
The RC&D Regional Award application was submitted by the Northwest AL RC&D Council with a letter of support from Senator Tammy Irons. This not only highlights the merit of what the NHWN Program is trying to do, it also substantiates that the Northwest AL RC&D Council, located in Tuscumbia, is one of the best in the country.

“Everyone here is very excited about the regional award announcement. This is like winning a conference championship in sports,” noted Charlie Meek, Executive Director of the Northwest AL RC&D Council. “RC&D appreciates the strong support we receive in our service area and the diversity of quality projects that are completed each year.”

In Sympathy

Martha, Stan Franklin’s wife, passed away on December 19, 2013.Stan retired as the District Conservationist in Guntersville, AL, in 2007. He also worked part-time after his retirement.

If you would like to send Stan a card, his address is:

Mr. Stanley C. Franklin
P.O. Box 11
Plantersville, Alabama 36750

Barbara Kennedy, Retired NRCS (SCS) employee. Barbara passed away Oct. 8 after a battle with cancer. Due to the fact that the state office is closed and the obituary is not in today's paper, Deloris was trying to contact as many NRCS folks as possible, especially out of town folks. Fortunately, I had forwarded the retiree email list to my home computer.